The continuation of COVID-19 Tuition Assistance, online and in-person learning, an extended winter break and a three-day On-Campus Spring Refresh set the stage for a successful spring 2021.
TCU laid the groundwork today for a successful spring, as students, faculty and staff begin to prepare class schedules and plan ahead for the spring semester. The plan includes the continuation of COVID-19 Tuition Assistance and online-only and in-person/dual learning, as well as a condensed, mid-week On-Campus Spring Refresh in place of Spring Break, to reduce travel and promote a healthy campus.
Revised Spring Academic Calendar
The spring 2021 semester will begin on Jan. 19, giving students a seven-week winter break. The semester includes a three-day, mid-week On-Campus Spring Refresh with no classes and a holiday for Good Friday. The last of day of classes is April 30 and final exams will take place from May 3-7.
While this modified calendar eliminates traditional Spring Break to reduce travel and the potential for spreading COVID-19 and the flu, it includes three days in March for no classes and the Good Friday holiday. Student Affairs is planning several on-campus or nearby options for safe, in-person activities during the On-Campus Spring Refresh.
“We recognize the importance of breaks, especially in these challenging times,” Chancellor Victor J. Boschini Jr., said. “While this modified calendar eliminates traditional Spring Break to reduce travel and the potential for spreading COVID-19 and the flu, we remain focused on the benefits of pausing to refresh while keeping our Horned Frog family as safe and healthy as possible.”
For more information on the spring 2021 calendar and a list of Frequently Asked Questions, visit Connected Campus 2020-21 Academic Calendar.
COVID-19 Tuition Assistance
The COVID-19 Tuition Assistance program, which began in fall 2020, will extend through Spring 2021. This financial assistance provides students with a 10 percent tuition award for courses the university has designated as online-only as a result of COVID-19. Course learning options will be designated in the online course catalog before students register for courses. Additional need-based aid will continue to be available for students and families who are experiencing financial hardships.
Online and In-Person
Students will be able to view which spring courses are designated as online-only or in-person/dual during the week of October 12 on Class Search. Academic advising begins October 19. Advance registration is scheduled to begin October 26.
“Despite the many unknowns of the spring, we are committed to continuing our TCU Connected Campus experience that prioritizes the safety and health of our community coupled with outstanding academics,” Boschini said. “We continue to follow health experts’ guidance on methods to reduce the spread of COVID-19 so that we can fully complete the spring semester on campus. We are prepared to be flexible and continue innovating to ensure academic goals are achieved.”
More information about the TCU Connected Campus experience for spring, such as landing zones, public health guidelines and student life programming will be available soon.